Captain's Message 2001

And so it was for the 2001 Matza Balls! You all played amazingly, and as it was often said about this year's team, big contributions came from all who played.

Though the delightful feelings of victory (and the bodily oys and veys felt by the more senior members) have begun to fade as we have gone back to our lives, our (other) teams, and into the wonderful holiday of Passover, I want to take a few minutes to take stock (and kvel ) in our special annual week-end in the spirit of the season.

1. Why is this tournament different than all other tournaments?
In other tournaments, we play with our goyishe friends, against our Jewish Brethren on other teams. In this tournament, we play together - a bunch of short, fast, Jewish Boys with a bad case of the schpielkes, who draw on our common ancestry to overcome and defeat taller, blonder, and generally more photogenic opponents of other faiths.

2. Why is this tournament different than all other tournaments?
In other tournaments, we gather in a stretch circle and admire the sheer athleticism of our teammates with whom we share the field. In this tournament, we gather in a kvetch circle and marvel at the incredible diversity of injuries, aches and pains that plague our whining group of premature alta kakes.

3. Why is this tournament different than all other tournaments?
In other tournaments, we want to win, and so do many of our friends and supporters. In this tournament, we know we must win, but we are on our own, because the only people cheering us on are our immediate family members, and of course, our _____ girlfriends!

4. Why is this tournament different than all other tournaments?
In other tournaments, we dance at the party. At this tournament, we dance on the field, celebrating our shared roots and joy for being who we are!


TIL NEXT YEAR - SHANA HABA-AH BI SANTA CRUZ!

David